We are glad to inform you that the Yoga Camp was blessed in December with hosting the EBM meeting. All Acharyas with their assistants and Mr. Trager were present. It was the most productive and inspiring meeting with all Acharyas planning future of the organization. On this occasion they have also initiated two new Bramhacharis, Shivadas Chaitanya from Yoga Camp, Mahadev Chaitanya from Yoga Ranch.

More solid plans are drawn for the World Wide Teachers Reunion in August of 2010. There is an application that can be filled in to participate, please visit http://www.sivananda.org/camp. There is a considerable amount of progress in Archive cataloguing of Swamiji lecture tapes which is supervised by Swami Sivadasanandaji.

We thank all of you for your continued support towards the Organization, which enable us to continue serving the humanity the way Swamiji wanted us to. We wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

May Master and Swamiji's blessings be with us, always.

Prem and Om,Swami Mahadevananda

12 08 2009 - Swami Satyanandaji of Bihar School of Yoga attained Mahasamadhi on this day.

Brahmacharya is an integral part of Yoga. It is an indispensable factor for divine union or blissful Samadhi. - Sri Swami Sivananda

Q 1: We should direct all our energies in gaining economic betterment for the masses then we shall get economic betterment early in our lives, after which those who wish can pursue philosophy and religion?

A: Two types of workers, social and religious, are necessary in this world. Social workers will work in their own fields of activity. Religious workers will carry on special propaganda and dissemination of spiritual knowledge. A carpenter has his own field of work and an electrician has his own field. You cannot ask a carpenter to do the work of an electrician and the electrician to do the work of a carpenter. Social, economic, political and industrial development and constructive work in those directions are very necessary. These should not be ignored. But, religion only can save people. Without religion, man is nowhere. Even those who work in the other fields cannot turn out good work without disciplining themselves, without having a spiritual basis, without undergoing a religious training, without practicing Ahimsa, Satyam and Brahmacharya. Leaders, who are selfish and corrupt, spoil the society. They fight for their own superiority and power. Bread, butter, jam and nice biscuits cannot give you everlasting peace. Comforts are enemies of spiritual life and peace. They pull hu-man down. After all, man wants very little on this earth. You will think of God only when you are in adversities. What is wanted is "spiritual wealth" which is inexhaustible. That work which removes the ignorance of man and gives him happiness can eradicate human sufferings completely and give eternal happiness. That work is spiritual "propaganda". That work is the dissemination of Bhakti and knowledge of Yoga and Vedanta. It is the crowning glory of human activities. This is the greatest Yajna or Yoga. This is Jnana Yajna, the highest of all Yajnas. India alone possesses the supreme divine wealth. Even the richest people of the different parts of the world come to the Himalayas to practice Yoga, to seek the guidance of Rishis, seers, Yogis and sages and to acquire this imperishable wealth. Happiness does not come from wealth. The Western nations are quite restless despite their enormous wealth.

Q 2: When everything is predestined and pre-planned by the Lord, why does man endeavour to do and undo things? Should one's repeated failures be also taken as the Will of the Lord? Is it a fact that we get what we deserve … or is it that we are not really fit for what we actually aspire for? This doubt is eluding a clear-cut answer from my own limited brain. I refer the same to your greater brain to re solve this doubt and I hope you will do so.

A: It is true that everything is predestined and pre-planned by the Lord; and only in accordance with the holy writ, everything takes place. God has given free will also to the individual to do right or wrong, to discriminate between the Preyo Marga and the Sreyo Marga. If one is endowed with true wisdom as to the fleeting and painful nature of the worldly enjoyments, one can exert oneself in the right direction to do or undo his Prarabdha, the portion of Karmas ripened for actual experience in this current birth. Without the Lord's special grace, none can make or mar one's self. Even for realization, the Lord's grace is necessary. For obtaining the Lord's grace, intense Purusha Prayatna, otherwise known as Purushartha, which is voiced forth throughout the famous "Yoga Vasishtha" is to be put forth.

Whether it be failure or success in any undertaken work, it is but the effect of the Lord's grace and will alone. Accept everything in the light of Vedantic indifference. Be a silent witness and rejoice over the mystery of the Lord.

Everybody gets what they actually deserve; nothing more, nothing less. The Divine Law is altogether different from man-made law. The Law and Verdict and Judgment of the Lord is final and unquestionable. No bribing business there. His Law is always impartial and uniform and even, with the whole of mankind, why only mankind, with the whole of His own creation.

Aspiration on the mundane side is but an expression of egoism that bursts forth in every moment of man's life through actions, thoughts and speech. Unless it is, as already stated, willed by the Lord, nothing mundane or spiritual is possible of attainment by any human being on earth. God actually helps those that help themselves, provided that the thing aspired for is in strict conformity with the injunctions of the holy writ. From the cradle to the grave, from birth till death, from the moment of awareness to that of eternal rest, the guiding factor of man should be self-effort

Your character depends upon the quality of thought held in your mind, the mental pictures and ideals entertained. - Sri Swami Sivananda

Marichi is the great-grandfather of Manu ("man, thinking, intelligent"), the Vedic Adam, and the "father" of humanity.

Sit in Dandasana (Staff Pose). Bend your left knee and place the foot on the floor, with the heel as close to the left sitting bone as possible. Keep the right leg strong and rotated slightly inward, grounding the head of the thighbone into the floor. Make sure the inner left thigh presses firmly against the left side of the torso. As a preparation for the full pose, twist your torso to the right and press the back of the left shoulder against the inside of the left knee. Use this leverage to lengthen the left side of the torso along the thigh. Then gently unwind and face forward. Reach your left arm forward and rotate it inwardly, so the thumb points to the floor and the palm faces out to the left. As you reach the left arm forward, lengthen your torso forward and snuggle the left shin into the armpit. Then on an exhalation, sweep the forearm around the outside of the leg. The left hand will press against the outside of the left thigh or buttock. With another exhalation, sweep the right arm around behind your back. Clasp the right wrist in the left hand. Exhale and extend your torso forward from the groins, keeping the lower belly long. Lower the front torso as closely as possible to the right leg. Be sure the shoulders don't scrunch up into the ears; draw the shoulders blades actively down your back. Stay in position for 30 seconds to a minute, then come up as you inhale. Repeat on the other side for the same length of time.

PREYO MARGA – "Preyas" means "that which is pleasant to the senses and the mind". Marga – path. Hence "Preyo-Marga" means the path that leads in the direction of the pleasing sensations of body and mind.

SREYO MARGA - the way leading to one's ultimate good and not in the direction of the pleasing sensations of body and mind. Marga – path

MAKAR SANKRANTI – Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year on JANUARY 14th. Makar Sankranti marks the end of a long winter with the return of the Sun to the Northern Hemisphere. Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun-God begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere and thus it signifies an event wherein the Sun-God seems to remind their children that 'Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya', may you go higher & higher, to more & more Light and never to Darkness. In Hindu temples bells, drums, clarinets and conch shells herald the joyous occasion of Pongal. To symbolize a bountiful harvest, rice is cooked in new pots until they boil over. Makara literally means 'Capricorn' and "Sankranti" refers to the day when the sun passes from one sign of the zodiac to the next. The Sankranti of any month is considered auspicious as it signifies a fresh start. However Makara Sankranti is celebrated in the month of Magha when the sun passes through the winter solstice, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn.

When the devotee grows in devotion there is absolute self-forgetfulness. This is called Bhava. Bhava establishes a true relationship between the devotee and the Lord. Bhava then grows into Maha-Bhava wherein the devotee lives, moves and has his being in the Lord. This is Parama-Prema, the consummation of love or Supreme Love. - Sri Swami Sivananda

' Kaivalya (liberation) is attained when there is equality between "Sattwa" (purity) and "Purusha" (the Soul)'.

Commentary:Liberation takes place when the mind has the same purity as "Purusha" itself. The purified mind recognizes its nature as "Purusha". The essence of this nature is, and always has been, bliss, freedom, peace, Self-sufficiency and perfection.

Character is what you are; reputation is what people think you are. The best treasure of a man is noble character. - Sri Swami Sivananda

1. Roast the sesame seeds and peanuts separately. Keep aside for cooling. After the peanuts are cold, crush them in a mortar and pestle into big pieces. 2. Heat the ghee in a vessel. When hot add the jaggery. The jaggery will liquefy and start to foam and froth. 3. Remove the vessel from heat source and add the sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, roasted channa daal and cardamom powder. Mix well and keep stirring. 4. Using a little ghee to coat your hands take a piece of the warm mixture and form very small balls/ladoos, 1 inch in diameter. 5. Store in a container.

*Note : This special jaggery is called "Chikki cha gul". It is meant for making ladoos and is less brittle when cooked. You can use the regular jaggery if it not available in your local Indian grocery store.

Forget and forgive. You will have peace. You will become divine. - Sri Swami Sivananda

Om Namah Sivaya, Greetings from the Headquarters. In early December we hosted the EBM at the Yoga Camp. The meeting was held in the Krishna Temple, with -20 below degrees outside. It was a chilly, brisk few days. The energy was strong and clear. The staff, many of them new, enjoyed the presence of all the Acharyas in one place representing the heart of the organisation. There was an initiation of two new Bramacharyas Sivadas Chaitanya (Camp) and Mahadev Chaitanya from Yoga Ranch. The meeting was just for a few days and then everyone left. Srinivasan and Saraswati stayed with us until Christmas. The Yoga Camp prepared for the holiday season, trees up and decorated, tinsel hung, and the most important thing, snow fell, covering the surrounding countryside with a mantle of a gleaming white blanket. Swami Mahadevananda arrived for the meeting but also to be here for Christmas and the big New Year Celebration that happens every year at the Camp. Om and Pranams to all from the staff and a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early December In mid-December saw the completion of a TTC. All students passed and happily received their diplomas. The total number of TTC diplomas issued so far internationally is well over 24,000. After TTC we bid farewell to a number of staff including Shambu, Mohini and kids, Gayatri, Kalyani, Shakti and Yogasaravan. We thank them for all their hard work to make the TTC a success. Swami Mahadevananda also left for the Yoga Camp, Val Morin. Janaki and Udayan transferred to Chennai Centre to help out there. Staff are well but looking forward to a break before the next TTC in January. A new yoga vacation began with 135 guests all pleased to be in a warm climate for the start of the Christmas season. One Friday "day off" temple staff led a group of forty six guests to Kanya Kumari. Also over a hundred people impressively maintained silence during a meditative walk to watch the sunrise over Neyyar Dam Lake. Kalyani began practicing Christmas Carols, with guests and staff interested in tuning their voices for Christmas Eve. Swami Gayatri and Satyam both returned to the Ashram after two weeks in Sri Lanka.

During the end of December 170 guests filled the Ashram for the start of the Yoga and Ayurveda Cultural Program. It began with a Ganapati Homa to elevate everyone to the Ashram energy. India's rich culture was shown at afternoon workshops and evening performances. Indian arts and sciences included Kathakali dance (Margi school), Bharatanatyam (Gayatri school) and Mohiniatam dance (Deepti Omchery), Sitar concert (Hasu Patel), Nadaswaram music (Manikandan), vedic mathematics, astrology and Vastu architecture (Haridas), spiritual paintings exhibition (Vivianna Siddhi Vid). Christmas Eve was celebrated with singing of carols in various languages and visit of Santa Claus who gave gifts to all. We ended with an evening silent walk up Kalippara Hill for a Puja, hosted by the local community. Everyone was enchanted by the drumming and rituals under the moonlight. Om Namah Sivaya from all staff at Neyyar Dam.

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early December we saw TTC complete its second week. It went well with all the usual schedules. Chinnamma went for a 3 week break to be with her family. A talk was given by Swami Swaroopananda, Madurai, a Santoor concert by Haridas, Kerala, a mountain walk on Sunday morning. All goes well within the Ashram by Gurudev's GRACE.

Late-December's highlights were a Devi Pooja, an early morning mountain walk, X'mas eve celebrations (Carols, bible reading, a feast, Santa claus,etc ) which went up to midnight, a wonderful sitar concert by Hasu Patel (Canada) and the graduation ceremony. Mani Chaitanya went back to Delhi Centre after guiding the TTC students through the Hatha yoga techniques. Maya Ito from Japan also left as staff after a month of wonderful service. Many of the staff and students went for a 2 days pilgrimage to Rameswaram and Dhanushkoti, Sunday 27th. All goes well within the Ashram by Gurudev's GRACE. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya! In early December we were graced with beautiful snow and the quiet of the winter season. Few guests visited the Ashram, providing the time& space for painting the main hall. We had a team of karma yogis arrive one weekend who helped with decorations for the holidays. Mavis Gewant gave a yantra painting workshop. Then all staff and guests left the Ashram to travel to the NYC Centre to celebrate their holiday party. We are happy to report that Mahadev took vows of Brahamacharya and is now Mahadev Chaitanya, we all pray for his success on the path to Self-Realization.

The Ranch was closed for the Christmas week, Monday – Friday. We celebrated Christmas at the Yoga Camp. On our return we had a quiet weekend with a few guests, who arrived for workshops on "Master your Destiny". Om Shanti. May the Gurus' blessings of be with us all.

Om Namah Sivaya! In early December the Yoga Farm was blanketed in snow, a very rare occurrence for the Yoga Farm. The staff took beautiful photos of the Ashram and enjoyed playing in the snow! The Yoga Farm staff rehearsed and presented a play, "TheBirth of Krishna", for the San Francisco SYVC Christmas Party celebration. In other Yoga Farm news, we completed a Beginners Yoga course; Shambu gave a workshop on Ayurveda and Proper Diet. We wished Ananta well as he left the Ashram to be full-time staff at the Los Angeles SYVC. The Yoga Farm 2010 Program Guide was completed and mailed out!!! Later we welcomed back Swami Sitaramananda and Sivapriya from their journey to EBM meeting in Canada. We hosted a 5-day Sanskrit Reading & Writing Course led by Gajananam. Most of the staff participated, learning the Sanskrit symbols and proper pronunciation of chants. Gajananam also taught a Bhagavad Gita chanting workshop with commentary focused on Chapter 3. It was very inspiring for the staff and guests to chant the Gita as a group and to experience the scripture from a new perspective. The monthly Ayurveda Massage and Rejuvenation Weekend was very successful as therapists were kept very busy with guests seeking treatments. Ambika held an Ayurveda talk, going more deeply into the doshas and the benefits of therapeutic oils.

In late-December the Yoga Farm had a lovely Christmas Eve Celebration. Swami Padmapadananda led guests and staff through Meditation and Christmas Carols, followed by a talk on the teachings of Jesus the Yogi. The night concluded with an appearance by Santa Claus and his Elf, giving out candies and gifts to all!This week we also welcomed guests for several new courses over the holidays, a 10-day Meditation Certificate Course, a Beginners' Yoga Course and a Quantum Thinking and Creativity Course with Synne Kune Loh. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Om Shanti. Pranams.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In early December Swami Swaroopananda, Swami Prema Swaroopananda and their assistants Jnaneshwari and Rukmini arrived from Israel. Staff were at the dock to welcome them back after several months away. December 6th was the inauguration of the Teachers Training Course participants. This is the first time we are offering the course in December. We had 42 students participating. Sita Chaitanya and Shankara arrived to manage the boutique and kitchen respectively and to teach the TTC students. Shyam and Mohini from Fort Lauderdale taught the morning TTC yoga classes. Programs included talks by Dale Buegel, MD, on topics such as the mind-body connection, consciousness and dying, and the unconscious mind. We also enjoyed a few evenings of Kirtan with Ragani and her band. Shama offered a series of workshops on Yoga for Healing and pain relief, with guided meditations and pranayama techniques to heal the mind, body and spirit. Our tent hut complex is completed and some of our TTC students have chosen this option for accommodation. The Beach Villas Swami Swaroopananda's hut were very close to completion, likely by the end of January.

In late-December our Christmas and New Year Symposium, 'Unity in Diversity', opened on December 22 with a talk by Rabbi Joseph Gelberman. Rabbi Gelberman, who is 98 this year, has been speaking at this symposium for many years. Tulku Karma Rinpoche, a tibeten buddhist, inspired us all with his compassionate nature, his teachings and his own life story. Imam Abdul Haqq spoke of Sufism and Islamic mysticism. On Christmas Eve, Brother Rolph led a beautiful ceremony which included messages from our guest speakers, christmas carols from a choir, and a Jesus Puja performed by Krishnan Namboodiri where we had the opportunity to offer flowers to Baby Jesus. Also speaking during the symposium were Daniel Matt, a leading authority on Kabbalah, his wife Hana, and Andy Karr, a teacher of Buddhist philosophy. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed two concerts with Russill Paul with his contemporary kirtan style and blend of sounds. Happy New Year to all.

Om Namah Sivaya. The Ashram re-opened 15 December and new yoga vacation guests arrived. The preparations for the special christmas celebrations started. The new Kailash accomodations were equipped with beds, furniture and all necessary items to make a warm welcome for staffs and special guests. The boutique was equipped with yogamats, pillows and books. The 2010 brochure went to the printer.

On December 23 the Christmas Special Programmes started with satsangs vibrant with many kirtans, multilingual asana workshops for different levels, silent walks in rain, sunshine and snow, inspiring lectures by visiting Swamis, daily Ayurveda introductory workshops by Drs Anjani and Sanjay Kulkarni, and delicious festive meals. Swami Durgananda gave a lovely Christmas message reminding everybody of the spiritual treasures waiting to be rediscovered inside. The visiting Swami and staff were enjoying the satsangs and classes, sharing the inspiration of the Masters. The visiting priest did daily Pujas, taught a well appreciated daily "Easy Sanskrit" lesson and celebrated a Navagraha Yantra Puja. The TTCs are settled in their schedules and enjoy the contact with many visiting staff and close students from the Centres.

Om Namah Sivaya. On 1st of December the Ashram opened again and we greeted our first guests for the week at a reduced price. It was a consistent group of newcomers, and it was nice to see their appreciation and devotion. They were slowly learning the chants, and the basic introductory talks helped them to understand the teaching of Master and Swamiji better. Some of them took copies of the Spiritual Diary and also the application form for the TTC when they left. Construction at Krishna Kutir was going on smoothly: we have 5 new single rooms now - just ready for the winter season. Also, the tiling started around the house and the contractors almost finished with the construction of the new path connecting the tent area with the main entrance path in the Ashram. Due to the sudden snowfall, the contractor had to postpone the finishing of the work.

On Christmas Eve Swami Kailasanada delivered a nice message on Lord Jesus and how Swami Sivananda used to celebrate Christmas at his Ashram. We sang the Christmas Carols in many languages, including Russian. Then Santa Claus arrived in an improvised hot air balloon, coming through the window. Then we had a theatre play about the classical lion-sheep story. There was basically only one rehearsal on the same day, so all considering the actors did very well. The play was followed by a colourful talent show with many students sharing their talents. There was a very joyful spirit throughout the evening and guests were very grateful.

Om Namah Sivaya. On 12th of December we had a Christmas Party. Over 110 students came with their children and other family members. We spend a wonderful time together, singing Kirtans and Christmas carols in different languages. Santa Claus came and delighted everybody with his playful speech; the children were very happy with the presents. We enjoyed the hilarious theatre play, displaying a story about Shabari and Rama. Some of the characters became at once audience's favourites, like sweet little deer or impatient Ashram student. After that there was a delicious meal. All students were given a CD with a yoga class, taught by Swami Vishnudevananda. OM.

Om Namah Sivaya to all Blessed Selves from the Chennai Centre. In early December we had lots of rain due to the weather depression formed out in the sea. We started a morning 9.30 batch with a very good number of very energetic ladies. We had Udhayan and Janaki arrive from Neyyar Dam to stay for the next few months. We also had Swami Mahadevananda visit on his way to Montreal for EBM meeting. We had Hasu Patel and our annual Christmas celebration party, with about 40 people. Gopan left to Neyyar Dam for personal things. The rest of the Centre activities continued well, including the Ayurveda Clinic. Om Namo Narayana for Peace in the New Year to all the Sivananda Family.

Om Namah Sivaya. Early December started with two new Beginners Courses at 6:30 am and 4:00 pm respectively. Both started with a good number of students. On Sunday 13th we had a special music programme with Hasu Patel. A good number of students attended. Our brochure for the months of January-June 2010 was designed and printed, thanks to the help of all the staff! We had some construction work to improve the facilities of the Centre, so we had a little bit of dust and a little bit of noise. The Open classes and the rest of the courses are running smoothly.

In mid-December the usual Open House went smoothly. Courses were fine with students attending regardless of the cold weather. We held Class 5 & 6 of the weekend Meditation Course. We also had the Shat Kriya Workshop, with a very good number of enthusiastic and brave students, who did very well. We started the weekend Prenatal Yoga Course. We had the Centre decorated for Christmas. All the staff did an excellent job. The Centre looks really nice and the decorations help us keep our spirits up! To celebrate Christmas, all of us went on a day trip to Rishikesh. We went to the Sivananda Ashram for some inspiration and blessings and had a fantastic cold bath in the Ganga. We got our new brochure back from the printers and started preparing the envelopes to have it posted to all the people on our mailing list. We are all good and happy and send Pranams to all the Sivananda Family. May the Gurus' Grace and Blessings be with you all throughout the New Year. Om Shanti

Om Namo Narayanaya. In early December two new Yoga1 classes started. A few workshops and courses were cancelled due to extreme winter cold. The morning 6.30 open classes continued with steady attandance. We welcomed Hasu Patel and her husband from USA. Hasuji performed a beautiful concert during Satsangs. She gave few music workshops, too. We said good bye to both of them who are travelling to Varanasi, Mysore and to all Centres and Ashrams in the South. We received new sweat shirts for the boutique, in four different colours with many beautiful designs.

In mid-December the Centre was beautifully decorated with a Christmas tree and Nativity done by Uma krishna. On 24th Christmas Eve, a Kids' Yoga demo was organised by Manju Sharmaji. Everyone enjoyed the Christmas Carols and Santa Claus visit. Dr.Bhakaya did a neat job for the plants at our lawn. We welcomed Mani Chaitanya after his teachings at Madurai TTC. The new sweat shirts and T.Shirts have been displayed and students are very happy to receive them for the New Year gifts. Pranams to All. Om Namo Narayanaya!

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we held the annual Christmas party. We had a beautiful celebration with chanting, reading from Master about Jesus, Father Christmas, very delicious food and much more. The students received a CD "Swami Vishnudevananda teaching a Yoga class" and other gifts. During the talent show we had a Scottish pipe performance which many of us heard for the first time live. Durga came from London and Lakshmi went to Lituania. Om Namo Narayana to all the Sivananda Family for 2010. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya. OM & Prem to all. In early December we had several workshops: 2 on Yoga Anatomy in Practice, with Madhava, and workshops on Conquest of Fear and Creative Visualization, with Swami Krishnadevananda. We had an Open House one Saturday with a small group of first timers coming to the Centre. We also held our monthly Ganapathi Homa. It was a beautiful ceremony with a priest from one of the local temples. The students liked it very much. Durga went to Geneva to serve during the holiday period.

In mid-December we finished the first set of Yoga Anatomy in Practice workshops, this week focusing on the respiratory and digestive systems. We had a very nice cooking workshop on "Sweets, Prasads and Christmas Treats" which was well attended. It was lovely to see everyone busy decorating the Christmas cookies and cupcakes. Ganga and Raksha (2 teachers and experienced cooks) demonstrated the western and Indian recipes respectively. Work continues with renewed vigour as we try to complete the asana hall renovation before the New Year.

Om Namo Narayanaya! In early December we completed the meditation 1 course and Yoga 1 course as students start to leave for the holidays. The winter sale was popular, with many students buying passes for 6 months and a year! Ananta joined staff from the Yoga Farm. He has settled into a steady routine of teaching classes, cooking wonderful meals and making cookies, which are very popular with everyone. We also held our annual Holiday party. The Centre was filled with celebration - after a wonderful potluck dinner, we sang carols and lit candles for Hannukah, and then moved on to the raffle, gifts from 'Santa' and the talent show, which went on late! It was a wonderful opportunity for new members to meet some of the 'old timers' who turned out in force. Two wonderful karma yogis from Toronto, Ambika & Annie, were visiting for the week and they helped with gift wrapping and food preparations for the party. Yoga 1 and Meditation courses are continuing and we have been having rain - another cause for celebration!

On Christmas Day we had no classes but 10 students shared lunch at the staff house, followed by a walk and a movie. The sale has been going well and we are cleaning the Centre in preparation for New Year celebrations. We have been blessed with sunny weather but unfortunately no rain. New Year 2010 pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed Selves! In early December we had a long holiday in the beginning of the week, so many people went out of the city. Damodara and Shankari (TTC Aluenda 2009) stayed at the Centre during that weekend. Paul, from the Yoga Ranch, arrived from Barcelona to stay few days at the Centre. We made last corrections of the new brochure 2010 & put all the labels on the envelopes. We had a very nice and inspiring Christmas party, with a Satsang with Swami Gopalananda and Gopala, Christmas carols, poetry with Gopala and music with Saraswati, an inspiring theatre play on the Ramayana and a wonderful feast prepared with great care and love by Vishnupriya, a close teacher. All left very happy. Merry Christmas to all.

In mid-December Narayani and Mahadev went to Reith for Christmas celebration. We completed the mailing during two and half evenings, held satsangs during the week, ready to send the new brochures featuring the next six months events, plus the TTC brochure, to all the students. With the Christmas celebration the Centre was closed on the 25th of December. We wish you all a Happy New Year 2010 with health, peace and happiness. Om Shanti. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December, by the grace of God & Guru, our Centre is running well. All the workshops, activities and classes are going on smoothly. Sanskrit class continued doing well. A new beginner class started, with four students. All other functions continued smoothly. We had Satsangs with all staff and students participating.

Om Namah Sivaya! In early December the daily classes continued quietly. We held our annual Satsang held on Saturday 12th December, with the participation of teachers, students and families of students. We had the presence of Staff from Buenos Aires and the special participation of Swami Premananda, who celebrated his birthday here with us. He was very excited blowing the candles. We showed lots affection and appreciation. After Meditation and an inspiring talk, prepared by Kanti Devi, we had asanas demonstration by the advanced group. Maheswari Chaitanya prepared a story connected with the postures. She related how Vyasa discover Vikrasana. We all were delighted with the flexibility of the students and the beauty of the asanas. They were followed by the chorus composed of new and old students, as well as teachers and staff of the Centre. We are delighted with 3 songs, one of them had fragments in "Mapuche" (South American native language) and the others were Christmas carols, you could see the emotion in every face reflected in every parent, student and teacher. Chandra showed pictures and videos of our last TTC in Merlo, Argentina. People appreciate the natural beauty of the place and the happy faces of the students. More than hundred people participate. Kanti Devi and Karuna prepare a delicious vegetarian feast. We offered shirts with a nice OM design to all the participants, sweets for kids and yellow t-shirts for teachers. On the other side was quieter this week as the holidays approach. One Thursday, Mirabai taught special classes for those who carried out the Thai massage course.

In mid-December we were teaching from Mondays to Wednesdays. On Thursdays we were working updating all the information for TTC/ATTC Garopaba 2010. Our Summer program and brochures are ready to be distribute. Kanti Devi and her family went to Costa Azul for Christmas. During the weekend we start preparing boutique and teaching books for Garopaba. We wish you all a Happy New Year - Om Shanti to all!!

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we had our first snow storms in Montréal marking the start of winter and the temperature is now averaging minus 20. Classes are continuing as usual. We had our Christmas party for students and teachers. With the help of karma yogis, the day was spent decorating the Centre, preparing food and wrapping presents. Swami Mahadevananda came for the celebrations along with Srinivasan and Sarasvati, Swami Jnanesvarananda, Swami Ambikananda, Padmavati and all the staff from Val Morin - about 80 people altogether. We had satsang with Swamiji, a kathak dance performance, talent show, Christmas carols, distribution of presents by Santa Claus and a pizza and ice cream feast!

Om Namah Sivaya. On the first weekend of December we had our traditional Christmas party. The nicely decorated yoga hall was almost filled to the last place with 150 students in attendance. We were happy to have Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda with us for this occasion. Swami Durgananda reminded us in her talk about the beauty of the Centres with so many people giving their time and energy for teaching yoga. We also had a very nice theatre play about the story of Shabari, two musical performances, a visit of Santa Claus and a delicious meal. Another highlight of the last weeks was the programme "Advanced Asanas" with Swami Sivadasananda. We are looking forward to a lot of interesting courses in the New Year among them special programmes with Swami Sivadasananda (asanas and satsangs), two Ayurvedic acharyas (Ayurveda, cooking and health) and a South Indian priest (Indian temple ceremonies).

Om Namah Sivaya! In December all the staff went to the Yoga Camp for Christmas. We enjoyed our time connecting with the other staff and Nature. We appreciate very much all the inspiring satsangs led by Swami Mahadevananda, Swami Jnaneshwariananda and Swami Ambikananda. All staff are sending pranams to all the Sivananda family for 2010.

Om Namah Sivaya. In December we finalised the programs for the new brochure which features, amongst others, a series of special programs on Ayurveda, Vedic Astrology and a North Indian vocal concert. The yearly Christmas celebration was warm and full of joy. Highlights of the evening were a theatre play interpreting the spiritual lion-sheep story, an asana demonstration, a vibrant piano concert and a delicious feast. Santa Claus brought a small present for all. The evening finished with the 150 participants releasing colourful balloons with their handwritten message for peace attached to it. Students were very touched by the spirit of unity and expressed their gratitude for the evening. We send our best wishes for a prosperous New Year. May the blessings of Master and Swamiji be with all. Om Shanti.

Om Namah Sivaya, Blessed selves. In early December a highlight was the Christmas party. We had a beautiful satsang, with nice Christmas carols in different languages, a message about Jesus from Bliss Divine, a visit from Santa Claus and a delicious dinner. All the students brought many different dishes and sweets! We also had the visit from Jorge Alfano (from USA). He played the flute during silent meditation in one of the satsangs, it was very much appreciated by the students. The Rome Centre was kept open for a week by outside teachers while Swami Jnaneswariananda travelled to Val Morin to assist with the EBM meeting. The Centre will now remain closed until 3 January. We wish Staff, Teachers, and Students throughout the world a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year and pray that Master and Swamiji continue to guide and protect us. Om Shanti.

Om Namo Narayanaya, Blessed Selves. In early December Yoga 1 courses continued smoothly with the students becoming increasingly interested in yoga and wellness. We had the pleasure of hosting Swami Pranavananda and Gauri Chaitanya for a few days while they helped with accounting and Christmas party preparations. Our annual Christmas party was held with the Yoga Farm staff and many students joining us for an evening of joy. There was Christmas carolling, a talent show, play performance of "The Birth of Krishna", delicious food and laughter. We said goodbye to cherished staff member Narayan, who has been with us for a year. He plans to attend ATTC in February. We send our very best wishes for a prosperous New Year filled to all. Pranams to all from San Francisco Centre.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we spent lots of time fine-tuning the 2010 brochure. In the end a beautiful brochure arrived with a lots of new and exciting programs for the new year. Prahlada went to the Yoga Camp with some Karma Yogis to help out with EBM meeting. On return he organized a big mailing, where we sent ours and Yoga Camp brochures to all on our mailing list. A Highlight of the month was a our famous, annual Christmas party, which was once again led by Ken Whitely, a famous Canadian musician, getting every one joyfully involved with the Christmas carols. This year we had a surprise drumming event added to the program, by professional artists a Toronto band group. Anoosha guided the Kids who did a wonderful yoga demonstration for the Sivananda Talent show. Santa came in with lots of presents; every one got something so they were happy. We concluded the program with a delicious pot luck dinner for all 80 + people attending the evening.

In mid-December the Toronto brochure was mailed out to all members, along with Yoga Camp brochure. The Centre received a good cleanup before the closing for holidays, at which time the staff went go to the Yoga Camp to help out. We did a big poster run for the upcoming programs in New Years. We will be opening the Centre again on 3rd of January. We wish you all a happy and prosperous new year. We send Om Namo Narayanaya to every one. Pranams to all.

Om Namah Sivaya. In early December we started a meditation course with 10 students. We also finished the yoga course that has been conducted at Government Women's College. On Fridays we held morning Lalithasahasranama Poojas . One saturday we conducted a Kriya Workshop for beginners. On Sundays we had a Satsang with Nataraj Ji.

In mid-December we started two beginners' batches at 9:30 AM and 6:15 PM. One Wednesday we had a Ganapathi Homa. Friday mornings we had Lalithasahasranama Poojas. We also conducted a workshop on "Ayurveda" with Dr. Vishnu, followed by a Satsang. All the staff and teachers are well. Om Shanthi.

Om Namah Sivaya. We were happy to welcome Swami Ramapriyananda for a special program entitled "Yoga- Source of inner Strength". It included a teachers meeting and a Satsang on "Yoga – Path to Mental Happiness" as well as a lecture about "Inner Positivity and Meditation" and two asana-workshops. The weekends were active with a well received cooking class on the topic "Quick Dishes", a small beginners' crash course, a workshop on Yoga@Home and the open day was successful with a good number of interested new students. One highlight was the Christmas party. Swami Ramapriyananda came again from Reith and led the function. After the Jaya Ganesha and an inspiring address we chanted Christmas carols and then Santa Claus arrived with gifts for the children. The program continued with two excellent musicians (violin and flute), who presented a nice mixture of classical and modern pieces. After a short break the theatre play about the story of Natchiketas was enjoyed by both audience and actors. In the end a delicious snack was served and presents were distributed to all, leaving everybody happy and content.

Om Namah Sivaya. At the beginning of December Swami Atmaramananda and Bhima left for Berlin. Ananta and Lalita, they took care of the Centre in his absence. The remaining staff put much energy into Centre promotions and improvements. Bag hooks and new curtains were installed in the Ladies changing rooms, the adjoining hallway area between the Asana halls were transformed into a third Asana hall to accommodate more courses. A new carpet was laid and warm curtains hung to create a soft space for this new space. To the joy of many, Vilnius gave its first Christmas party with 70 people, including 14 Children. The evening included a theatre play and Santa Claus who brought nice presents for the children. The food was also very much appreciated by everyone. The Christmas party brought a lot of Prana inspiration and contentment to the Centre.